Influence of folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation on arsenic methylation: A double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial in Bangladeshi children.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Inorganic arsenic is metabolized to monomethyl- (MMAs) and dimethyl- (DMAs) species via one-carbon metabolism (OCM); this facilitates urinary arsenic elimination. OCM is influenced by folate and vitamin B12 and previous randomized control trials (RCTs) showed that folic acid (FA) supplementation increases arsenic methylation in adults. This RCT investigated the effects of FA + B12 supplementation on arsenic methylation in children, a key developmental stage where OCM supports growth.

Methods

A total of 240 participants (8-11 years, 53 % female) drinking from wells with arsenic concentrations > 50 μg/L, were encouraged to switch to low arsenic wells and were randomized to receive 400 μg FA + 5 μg B12 or placebo daily for 12-weeks. Urine and blood samples were colle

SUBMITTER: Martinez-Morata I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11316459 | biostudies-literature | 2024 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature